School of Architecture

Ralph and Susan Hawkins

The man who helped bring us Cowboys Stadium and College Park Center is doing his part to ensure that the next generation of architects leaves its own legacy. Ralph Hawkins, chairman and chief executive officer of architectural firm HKS Inc., and wife Susan recently committed $1.5 million to the School of Architecture. A portion of the funds doubled in value through the Maverick Match program, which leverages natural gas royalties to boost the University’s endowment. “I received a tremendous opportunity at UT Arlington, and I want others to share those opportunities,” says Hawkins, who earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture in 1973. A longtime supporter of the University, he is chairman of the Development Board. Besides the two Arlington venues, HKS has designed numerous professional and college sports complexes nationwide. The gift will be used in part to develop a strategic vision for the School of Architecture. “We are in a strong position now, but we need to be nimble to stay current with practices of the future,” architecture Dean Don Gatzke says. “We need to look at who we need to be. We need to be a focal point for architectural issues in the future.”